Portret van Frederik Hendrik, prins van Oranje 1663

This portrait of Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange, is an engraving made by an anonymous artist. The design is simple, yet the effect is one of precision and control. This print was made by incising lines into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin. The plate would then be inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, paper is pressed firmly against the plate, transferring the image. This process allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, making them available to a wider audience. While it required skill and training, engraving was more closely associated with the trades than with fine art. Yet, as this image shows, it was a powerful medium for disseminating images of power and influence. This print demonstrates that true artistry can be found in unexpected places.